Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, EV-Charge America manufactures and maintains electric vehicle charging stations at locations throughout the United States and around the globe. Currently, EV-Charge America provides the best value in the industry for a growing number of people who understand that electric vehicles are not only good for the planet but the pocketbook as well.

Although all-electric vehicles (EVs) carry a higher price tag than similar, conventional vehicles, the initial expense can be significantly offset by the much lower operation and maintenance costs associated with EVs. The most obvious savings come from EVs’ dramatically reduced fuel costs. Compared with conventional fuel, electricity is much cheaper to purchase, and the day-to-day operating costs of EVs are considerably lower than gas-powered vehicles. With current gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon, a conventional auto with a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon costs 11.5 cents per mile to operate. An EV, on the other hand, costs only 2.5 cents per mile. Over the period of a year, if each vehicle travels 12,000 miles, the conventional car owner will spend approximately $1,400 on gas, while the EV owner will only spend $300 on electricity.

EVs not only cost much less to operate, they are also cheaper to maintain. Since an electric car does not use a transmission or a combustion engine, there is no oil and filter to change and no emissions that need testing. An EV’s most expensive maintenance item is its battery, which will typically last for a number of years. Also, many manufacturers offer lengthy battery warranties to provide EV owners added peace of mind.

Federal tax credits are available for purchasers of electric vehicles or EVs. The amount of the credit, which can be as much as $7,500, is contingent on the purchased EV’s battery capacity. Some of the makes and models that can take advantage of the credit in 2014 include the 2012 MLE EV, the i3 BMW sedan, and the 2010 and 2012 sedans by CODA. The 2013 Fiat 500e, the 2012 to 2014 Ford Focus EV, and the 2014 Chevrolet Spark are also on the list of eligible EVs.

PHEVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles that are purchased from 2010 to 2014 may also take advantage of a tax credit. Again, as with EVs, the amount will be based on the PHEV’s battery capacity.

n equipment manufacturer located in Las Vegas, Nevada, EV-Charge America produces and distributes EV charging stations for a broad range of electric automobiles, including the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. In an effort to conform to a fast-changing industry, all EV-Charge America stations utilize the new industry standard SAE J1772-2009 charging connector. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about EV Charging connectors:

Q: Who is responsible for developing past and current standards for electric vehicle charging connectors?

A: The Society of Automotive Engineers establishes, maintains, and modifies all standards for connectivity between electric vehicles and charging stations deployed throughout the United States.

Q: What are the advantages of the latest connection standard?

A: In addition to the ability to communicate the charging station and vehicle type, the new SAE J1772-2009 connector is rated to withstand over 10,000 connections and disconnections, amounting to a service life of over 25 years under normal use.

Q: Which manufacturers’ vehicles are compatible with the connector?

A: Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Tesla, and Nissan are among some of the automotive manufacturers utilizing the SAE J1772-2009 connector.